KPTM FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; Nebraska News, Sports; kptm.com | Residents Share Ideas for South Omaha
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OMAHA (KPTM) South Omaha: it's an area known for its diverse population and rich cultural heritage. Tuesday night residents and community leaders met to discuss ways to make it better for future generations.
Just like the efforts to plan for the redevelopment of Midtown, North Omaha and Downtown Omaha, leaders are now focusing on the Southeast part of the city. A visioning workshop was held Tuesday at the Henry Doorly Zoo to get the public's ideas.
The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and consulting firm HDR hosted the event so planners can put together a vision for South Omaha and its development over the next 20 years. Eventually the information gathered at the workshop, and in bilingual surveys and focus groups, will become the foundation for change. The goal is to attract and retain businesses and residents and to capitalize on the area's unique history, culture and entrepreneurial spirit.
Participants were asked to list South Omaha's strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities for improvement and current threats to the community.
Some of the things that came up as weaknesses were an overall lack of national retailers, affordable housing and good jobs. But people also saw the space and potential to build on new successes, like the Salvation Army's community center and the new field at Omaha South High School.
Groups also talked about making the area more pedestrian friendly and accessible to the riverfront, as well as addressing so-called negative perceptions when it comes to gangs, crime and graffiti in the community.
Consultants will start putting together the formal plan next month and hope to have it finished by the end of December. For more information, visit http://www.ProjectSouthOmaha.org.
